All Forum Posts by: Randall Re II

How different is it investing in Spain from the states? What challenges do you face in Spain?

Mary Jay,

An AC system has a high and low pressure side and 4 main parts to it. condensation builds up in the ac unit and the drain line is a pathway to let out that water in a proper manner away from the components or unwanted drainage in the wrong area. The manual you have will explain everything, if not, go into google and type in your model and do some research on them. When you sound knowledgeable to a technician, it can scare them, because they can't pull the wool over your head so to speak. Asking questions can be powerful, especially open-ended questions because it gives them an opportunity to elaborate and not just say yes or no. I'm happy to help. The manual is your best friend, because its customer some what built around to be user friendly. I just googled ac drain line and a bunch of great photos came up and I'm sure they will be very helpful to give you a visual of whats going on and you can search more specific to what your ac unit is. 

Ok, it sounds like a drain line, which is used to let out water to drain out the ac unit that's accumulated from the ac unit. What can happen, is dust can build up in the drain hose and clog it. However, a brand new system, in your area, and they are blaming you for not using bleach and stuff is a bunch of BS. I use to live in Avondale AZ, so I know the living conditions your in. I'm currently deployed in Kabul Afghanistan in the dirtiest, nastiest air quality in the world and we get some pretty crazy dust storms out here at times. Our systems don't even block up that much. 

If they are going to blame you, first have them point out where your suppose to do this bleach stuff at in the maintenance manual, every unit comes with one. second, I would call the manufacturer and explain the situation and ask how they would go about it because you feel the company is ripping you off. DONT just start spending money else where. When you contact people, use email for legal records. If you do a phone call, shoot them an email after stating what was discussed as a follow up and have them agree to what was said for records. You can go to another company and have the manufacturer reimbursed you for it if they approve of it. If the company comes out again, ask them how they installed it, what is the root cause of the issue, and where in the manual it says the maintenance they are suggesting you do. I'd even go as to recording the conversation. You'd be surprised how much stuff people say that's self-incriminating when they don't realize they are being recorded. Make sure your state allows it first, as to one person consent laws. The other reason you want them to walk you through things is maybe something simple was done incorrectly and its an easy fix, you never know. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but also keep in mind, the technician, if he admits it was installed wrong, he's basically telling on himself, and can get himself fired, so it's counterproductive and more likely he's lying to cover his ***. Most companies want you to keep your mouth shut if you make a mistake. 

When I was in my days of learning some trades, I cut a hole in the roof of a million-dollar home, they band-aid fixed it and blamed the roofers and I was threatened with my job I'd lose it if I said anything just to give you a point of view you may not be seeing. 

I'd if possible get another company in after giving the installing company one more chance and having them explain everything to you in detail, and use the manual to your advantage. 

Try a different market. I started out in the Sarasota market and people were literally paying an extra 100k for a property (I'm not doing that), so I moved to another market and in my first 2 days, I made 3 offers because its so much better. Dont give up, just find a different market to work with that fits your financial goals. 

Doug,

Why are you going to give them a percentage over it? Most property managers charge 8-10%. Do the same for him, this way when you pay him, you can write it off on your taxes as an expense. 

Mary Jay,

What are they saying? When you say leaking, you mean the Freon is leaking out or something else? Leak at the same place? 

Thank you to you both for the information. 

Troy, Don't just text. Call them. Also, Empathy goes a long way in getting people to do what you want them to do. 

Ask them, "have you given up on keeping your end of the rental agreement?" "how am I not to start the eviction process or think the worst when you dont respond?" Tell them how you want to have good communication together, and if they are having a hardship, maybe you can work something out. Getting a conversation going is important right now at this point in time. 

Does anyone know of any landlord insurance in Florida? I'm currently deployed and half the websites are blocked and I cant be on the phone talking to everyone for 30-45 per phone call with my job. I'm looking at properties in Tampa, Sarasota, Bradenton, North port areas. 

Brent,

I'm new at this myself and in the Florida market myself. If it costs you money, can you afford it? If you get hit with a big expense, can you handle it? Have you looked at other options? I've been doing this for a little over a month and everytime I think I should jump in without knowing all the info, I wait. A few days later I tend to find out something I didn't know that made me glad I didn't. I've passed up several properties I thought were great deals that now I know they weren't great deals. I'm now currently looking as some great deals and waiting to hear back on my offers. There will always be other opportunities if you aren't sure about this property.